Alternative technique of constructing bilateral cleft palate in late childhood: a case report and literature review.

Although great advances in treatment of oro-facial clefts have been made over the past 50 years; in developing countries, due to social stigmas and unavailability of specialised medical facilities and personnel to the majority of the population, there is an increasing incidence of patients coming late for repair of oro-facial clefts. This presents a challenge to both plastic, oral surgeons and associated specialists. The aim of the present article is to demonstrate, in the form of a case report, an alternative surgical technique that has be successful in 8 cases for the late repair of severe bilateral cleft palate utilizing locally available and affordable materials. The objective of managing patients with cleft palate in developing countries is to provide the best repair and rehabilitation with as few operations and in-patient care as possible due to limited financial resources experienced by the majority of in-patients. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of oro-facial clefts is emphasised.